When weeds get out of control most people wouldn't give it a second thought. Just grab a good strong weed killer to take care of the job. But when you share your garden with free ranging poultry there is a cause for concern.​

Glyphosate is not only an effective weed killer but has been shown to slowly and insidiously kill us over time too. Roundup can be detected in the soil for many years. That means that whatever is grown in that soil is also likely to pick up on the glyphosate and go into our food chain. Glyphosate is non-selective, meaning that it will kill anything that it is applied to.

There have been plenty of agricultural studies that have studied heavy and light use of glyphosate (herbicide) use on crops and how different soils can make a difference. However, the most important part of any of those studies is the toxicity levels - and how long they remain for.

The problem is that free ranging poultry are ground and plant active in their foraging.

Walking on grass and weeds is different to consuming a plant that has been sprayed with a herbicide.

So consuming a sprayed plant is dangerous to poultry health.​

Flame Torch for weed eradication. Image from 123rf.com

ALTERNATIVES TO CHEMICAL HERBICIDE SPRAYS​(SAFE FOR POULTRY)

Boiling Hot Water

Vinegar

Salt*

Epsom Salts*

Weed Torch/Flame

Hand weeding

Boiling water from the kettle or from cooking vegetables can be poured over weeds.

Vinegar can be poured directly over each weed, where it is convenient. Vinegar can be combined with salt for even more effectiveness. Vinegar is safe for poultry consumption as it can be added to their drinking water to aid their health and egg shell quality.

Beware of salt!Farmers who have used salt lick blocks for their cattle often report that the area in their paddock where it was placed can remain bare for a long time after it has gone.

* Salt intake for poultry can also be dangerous for poultry.* Epsom salts can also cause some trouble for poultry, such as diarrhea.

However, the levels of salts may not cause a huge amount of trouble as it can be difficult for the poultry to seek out and consume directly from the soil.

A weed torch or flame gun can be very effective so long as it is used responsibly. ​(Be fire wise)There are butane gas canister options as well as the larger industrial sized burners which are best suited for smallholding organic gardener.

The second benefit of a weed torch/flame gun is for riding the soil of lice and mites without chemicals.

The cheapest of all options, is get out there and do some weeding by hand or with your trowel.Burns calories and the chickens will love to hang out with you!!!

Author

You can take the girl out of the country but you can't take the country out of the girl. As an ex-Barossa gal now living in suburban Adelaide, South Australia, Janine Zschech is not only a serious chicken lady but a genuine advocate for self-sufficiency and education of children to the knowledge of gardening and animal rearing. Skills for life!